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Christmas Gazing With the biggest trading seasons for retailers now kickstarted with a festive flurry, PG asks some of this year’s Retas Awards winners and finalists how are they gearing up for Christmas, what sparkling treats are instore, the ho ho hot sellers and if they could look into their crystal ball to foretell if it will be a ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ with the tills ‘Jingle(ing) all the Way’ or if ‘The Grinch Stole Christmas’.
Carole and Debbie Hatch partners of Paper Moon, Dore: Christmas run up: “We have been busy taking deliveries of all our Christmas stock and topping up on stock that is already selling through well. It is always crazy this time of year making sure that everything’s in place ready for the busy season ahead. We both try and do as much Christmas shopping for family as we can from the shop. We’ve both got boys so for them we’re always a bit frantic with online orders as we have little personal shopping time in December.” Adding extra sparkle: “We hold a Christmas Shopping Event every year, usually around the middle of November. We offer a 15% discount on the day and are open until late. It’s a lovely atmosphere in the shop with Christmas music playing and sherry and nibbles on offer. The day has always been a huge success and is a great way to kick-start people’s Christmas gift buying.” Festive favourites: “Our charity Christmas cards are selling really well, every thing else Christmassy doesn’t go on display until the end of October. Scarves and wraps from Zelly are already selling well, as are silk scarves from Quintessential. Everything unicorn is selling brilliantly, especially the tins from Rachel Ellen. Bracelets from POM and Envy have also been great sellers this season.” Christmas crystal ball: “Our Christmas sales have increased year on year, so we are optimistic they will do the same this year. Christmas spending tends to start quite late in Dore. We find from the 1st December it all goes a bit crazy in the shop. We have learnt not to worry, if sales are slower through November as we know it will hit in December.” Santa’s wish list: “Carole would love a new more updated phone for Christmas, and I would love a pair of grey leather boots. Spending time with family is what we both really love!”
Inset: Gazing at what’s in-store for indies' Christmas – a card from The Alternative Image Co (Mary Evans Picture Library). Far left: Two naughty elves that reside at Paper Moon, Carole and Debbie Hatch.
Debbie Brown co-director of First Class Greetings and Plum Green, Hadleigh: Christmas run up: "At First Class Greetings we have been selling Christmas charity packs since the end of August, and at Plum Green a dedicated Christmas room has been open since the beginning of October.” Adding extra sparkle: “We are selling the Yankee Candle WOW Gift, which is a gift set containing £60 worth of products for £30!” Festive favourites: “Woodmansterne’s Christmas charity packs are doing very well, with reorders placed on several designs. At Plum Green accessories by Powder (socks, gloves, scarves) are doing very well.” Christmas crystal ball: “I have a good feeling about Christmas this year. I think it will be better than last year.” Santa’s wish list: “Health, Wealth and Happiness please Santa! We've been very good and hardworking girls and boys this year!” Below: A stunning in-store festive display created by Debbie Brown.
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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